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Del Maguey VIDA Mezcal
Distiller Score 84
The nose opens with the expected smoke, follows with roasted agave, tobacco, and well-worn (and recently ridden) saddle leather, and finishes with a hit of white pepper. On the palate the smoke is initially veiled by roasted fruit (think grilled grapefruit brushed with brown sugar and orange juice), cinnamon spice and hint of salinity underpinned by a welcome oiliness. The smoke and tobacco return for an after-dinner cigar on the finish.
Reviewed by Ron Bechtol
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Scorpion Mezcal Reposado
Distiller Score 88
The bouquet is elegant, with gentle oak, vanilla and cooked agave notes along with a bit of white pepper, canned peach, and jasmine. On the palate, a big wave of smoke comes first, crashing onto the palate, As the smoke clears, cooked agave, white pepper, oak and cinnamon appear before a finish that features a vegetal, chile pepper-note, along with a bit of campfire smoke, a slight earthiness and more cooked agave.
Reviewed by Distiller Staff
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Suerte Blanco Tequila
Distiller Score 87
The herbaceous nose initially offers freshly cut grass and hay, as well as lime and agave. The slow-cooking process comes through in the earthy, vegetal palate that provides the foundation for tropical fruit and spice, giving way to a bright finish with citrus and pepper notes.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang
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Mezcal Alipús San Andres
Distiller Score 91
The smoked notes hover over cooked vegetables, earthy mushroom, and sweet tobacco aromas. A sweet and fruity note is found among it all. The body isn't rich but there's a touch of an oily quality to the mouth-feel. The roasted smoke notes come through fairly strong while some cherry fruit greets you on the finish.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Bosscal Joven Mezcal
Distiller Score 89
The nose offers orange blossom water and phenolics in the range of asphalt and rubber tires, as well as citrus zest. The palate is herbal, with sage and epazote, along with charbroiled meats and toffee. The finish is moderate in length, showcasing cigar smoke, tart lemonade, clay soil, and salted pretzels.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Herradura Silver Tequila
Distiller Score 84
This is something unusual, a "white" tequila with distinct wood-derived notes, not aged for long enough to be a reposado. The brief aging complements the agave character nicely; rather than smoothing off some of the rough edges, the barrel spice actually accentuates the raw, vegetal character of this tequila, contributing notes of black pepper, coriander, and sandalwood. Great in citrus-based drinks where you want a little more complexity, but a reposado would be out of place.
Reviewed by Duncan McRoberts
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Wahaka Mezcal Espadín
Distiller Score 91
The crisp, clean nose opens up with smoke and vegetal notes. The creamy palate starts with pepper and holiday spices, as well as leather, agave notes and hints of dried fruit, before giving way to a savory and smoky back-end. The warm and lingering finish offers notes of vanilla, pepper and more smoke.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang
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Alacrán Joven Mezcal
Distiller Score 87
The Scorpion announces its presence warily with some smoke, hints of cured meat and whiffs of tobacco, encouraging one to approach. On the palate, sensations become sharper: a bite of woody smoke, amplified by dried citrus peel and Mexican oregano. Having done its deed, the stinger withdraws to allow for a banked-heat finish that is unexpectedly (and deceptively) pretty.
Reviewed by Ron Bechtol
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Cráneo Organic Mezcal
Distiller Score 88
A mixture of sweet, roasted agave and smoke greet you on the nose. The roasted quality continues with further trips to the glass with the aromas leading to roast vegetables and ancho chilies. The mezcal is round and soft on the palate with the savory quality continuing on the finish. The finish is tart and gently smoky. One to sip and savor rather than mix.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Tequila Ocho Plata "Corralillos" 2023
Distiller Score 91
The pleasant aroma displays a green herb and an almost smoky green pepper note. On initial taste, the tequila feels soft and creamy on the palate. The lingering taste offers a range of flavors from herbaceous to earthy to sweet-tart. A complex spirit worthy of sipping.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Mezcal Pierde Almas La Puritita Verda
Distiller Score 88
The nose is floral and smoky, with subtle leather and vegetal notes. On the chewy and meaty palate, there’s roasted agave and dried fruit with a light smoke. The finish is long with more agave, licorice and slight smoke.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang
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Don Julio Blanco Tequila
Distiller Score 94
The nose is bright and sassy with fresh agave aromas bolstered by some lemon and grapefruit. A little smoke accompanies pear and citrus peel on the palate. The flavors persist on the finish with agave making a return appearance, along with some lingering pepper. The blanco is a stainless fist in a glove of terciopelo (a pit-viper snake)--seductive and velvety on the surface, steely and smart on further acquaintance.
Reviewed by Ron Bechtol